Texas teen to be tried as adult in shooting of ICE agent

EDINBURG — A South Texas judge has ruled that a 17-year-old boy accused of shooting at a federal agent will stand trial as an adult for attempted murder.

State District Judge Jesse Contreras ruled in Edinburg on Tuesday that Marquez Alvarado, who was 16 when the shooting occurred, may be prosecuted as an adult. Hidalgo County prosecutors have argued that the boy should face the charge as an adult because of the seriousness of the crime. The defense says it was a mistake made by a boy.

Special Agent Kelton Harrison of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was shot early July 3 in Hargill, a rural community northeast of Edinburg. Officials say the teen, an older brother and his father pursued and shot Harrison while he was conducting surveillance in the area.